Standard disclaimers apply to the fictional characters of BLEACH used in this story. They are the property of the esteemed Kubo Tite-sensei, and I have no claim over them. Please don't sue.
-.-
As she folded the laundry on the floor, Katagiri couldn't help but look over to where Ryuuken was studying his medical textbooks at the coffee table.
The past two weeks went by her in a whirlwind—starting from her dismissal as a maid of the Ishida household, then to the Mistress' outrage and the Master's cold treatment at Ryuuken's bold actions against them, and now back at their small apartment in the middle of Spring.
She could only wonder how he could be so calmly studying while she was deeply conflicted at their current situation. Her hands paused in straightening out the collar of a white shirt.
She lost her job and should have lost her reason to serve Ryuuken, but he gave her another one to be with him. Even though he wanted her at his side, she would have nowhere to call home once his studies at the hospital complete. Furthermore, he was now precariously at odds with his parents and she knew that it was her fault. His dream of being a doctor could be ripped from him at any moment they wished and that was the last thing she wanted to happen. She did not want to be the reason of his failure.
"Ryuuken-sama, I'm sorry," Kanae whispered almost inaudibly. The back of her throat started to ache from the sadness welling inside of her.
Ryuuken looked away from his book and stared at her. "What?"
She managed a smile and dodged his question. Putting aside the shirt, she stood up and smoothed out her skirt. "Would you like some fruit?"
-.-
AN: Happy New Years my lovely readers! This is a tad short, but I'm in hibernating mode right now.
Thank you very much to my reader and reviewers, especially to Nessie910, kunoichi79, Isame Kuroda, Stresses, KitKat12323, and PrettyPleaseWithSugarOnTop.